An Ode to College Football:

Are you ready for this, people?!?! Though some college teams have already played their first game of the season, for me College Football doesn't OFFICIALLY start until my alma-mater, the Texas Longhorns, take the field. HOOK 'EM!

The Horns' first game is this Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe. Now, I have NEVER heard of that school before, but it doesn't matter. I'm sure it'll be a blowout. But, the Longhorns could be playing my high school and I'd still watch.

On the same note, I read this interesting op-ed in "Austinist" yesterday about how Texas always schedules their non-conference games against some of the easiest-to-beat teams. It's not like people stop buying tickets to the games to protest a disappointing schedule. The stadium is completely packed for every single home game. So it makes sense that Texas doesn't want to risk losing and, therefore, it schedules easier teams.

On the other hand, the article made a good point by mentioning how OU (OU SUCKS!) schedules

much higher ranked teams during the season. They say, "There's a good chance that OU will win all four of those games, probably even as high as 90 percent. There's a 99 percent chance that Texas will win its four non-conference games. But for an extra 9 percent of the risk, the Sooners gain much more in national respect and strength-of-schedule ratings, which figure into BCS rankings. "

It's definitely an interesting thought. You can read the rest of the article here: http://austinist.com/2009/09/03/weak_teams_on_schedule_have_texas_o.php

Either way, the Longhorns are ranked #2 and I am itching to see them win the National Championship this year. Come on, Colt McCoy!! You've gotta make this happen for us! TEXAS FIGHT!!

I Heart Austin Happy Hours

I was supposed to head to the gym right after work yesterday but, instead, decided on a better option: HAPPY HOUR.

This has been a recurring trend as of late. Mainly, because I have discovered quite a few awesome places for some appetizers, wine and cocktails after work. I mean, who doesn't need that kind of thing after a long, hard day at the office?! I have also recently discovered that this notion of a "Reverse Happy Hour" is unusual to some. I looove the idea. There are many nights where you can find me eating past 9pm (a big no-no in the diet world) and I don't think a thing about it. I'm sure that the fact my fiance lives at The Domain doesn't hurt either. Maybe I should have grown up in Spain, where dinner at 9 or 10 is not unusual.

Here are some of my favorites haunts for both regular (and reverse) HH:

• Kona Grill (5pm-7pm and 9pm-11pm)


• McCormick and Schmicks (5pm-7pm and 9pm-11pm)
  
• Cru Wine Bar (3pm-6pm)


• Sushi Nini (3pm-6pm and 8pm-10pm)


• Daily Grill (5pm- close)


• Sullivan's Steakhouse (not quite sure of the exact hours..."happy hour" time?)


• Joe Dimaggio's (3pm-6pm)

Bachelorette Party Fun

My Mother and I had an eye-opening conversation on the phone last night. I was talking to her about the dates that my bridesmaids and I have set for the "bachelorette party weekend." I told her we were thinking about going to Vegas. Needless to say, she was beyond excited for me. She loves Vegas. Her and my Step-father proceeded to yell "travel tips" to me over the phone simultaneously. It was hilarious. At some point, I completely forgot what was going on.

Anyway, I don't know how the conversation got to this point, but her final sentence pretty much came out like this:

"You know. I could care less if you get drunk, are hungover or go to a strip club or something like that. The only thing I ask is that you do NOT leave your drink at the bar unattended, that you do not take Ecstasy (uh. seriously?!) and I definitely do not want to receive a phone call saying that you are in jail."

She then proceeded to tell me about the trip she took to New Orleans for her sister's bachelorette party. haha. She's great. It's so funny because she constantly surprises me. Now that I am older, she is open to sharing a lot of things with me that she never used to when I was younger (for good reason, I suppose). At some point, our parents and even grandparents become REAL PEOPLE. It's an interesting experience, isn't it?

An Intimacy Sandwich

Well, THAT was an eventful weekend! Sorry I've been a little lacking in the blog department these past few days.

The fiance and I had our "wedding preparation class" with the Catholic Church this past Saturday. It was from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Yes. THAT long. I kept telling myself that it would go by quickly but, I promise you, it did not. Unfortunately, I didn't really learn anything new. Wait. I lied. I DID learn that Intimacy is like a Sandwich. I am not even going to try and explain this to you. Just know I zoned out about halfway through the discussion. I'm pretty sure those type of classes are made for couples who want to get married 6 months after they meet...not 4 years like us!

The only thing really exciting about the day was when a guy (let's call him Joe) burned down the trashcan outside of the church. Yes. No joke. Joe is attending these sessions alone, as his future wife is over in Vietnam. He would go outside at every break and smoke a cigarette or two. Well, wouldn't you know...one of those cigarettes lit a huge trashcan on fire! The flames were pretty out of control. The Fire Department was called in to spray the thing down. Meanwhile, the ball of flame was melting the front of the instructor's car. How she stayed calm the rest of the day is beyond me. Anyway, this Joe guy didn't even say a word! We can't assume it was his fault but, come on, he was the only one throwing lit cigarettes into the trashcan. Anyway, we have three more classes over the next few Thursday nights. I have a feeling it will be mildly entertaining...


Well, these past few days have been crazy busy at work, so I'm going to let off some steam and do one of my favorite things to do in Austin: A run (mostly walk) around Lady Bird Lake:


It's such a great place to go in the evening after a long day at work. Half the time I forget I'm exercising!! After that, I think I'll head over to Whole Foods and grab some sushi or a salad. You will probably see me there at least two or three times a week. I'm a bit obsessed.

Funny Dreams

I woke up this morning after a wonderful snooze and here was the first thing out of my fiance's mouth:

Fiance: "Do you know you laugh in your sleep?"

Me: "uh. What?"

I've heard of talking in one's sleep or grinding teeth, but laughing?!? He told me I have done it several times before. I was surprised this is the first time he mentioned it. Well, this is just great. Now I'm going to have some sort of complex about staying over at people's homes...I don't want to freak them out with my creepy-ness!!

I wish I could remember what my dreams were, though. Especially if they are making me laugh subconsciously. I'm definitely not a superbly funny person, so maybe my dreams could give me a couple of tips. hehe.


In other news, TGIF!!!!! This week went by fast, but I am looking forward to a break. On the schedule for tonight: "500 Days of Summer" at the Alamo Drafthouse. I went on Rotten Tomatoes yesterday and saw that the movie is rated 87% FRESH. Which, for people who don't read Rotten Tomatoes, is a great rating! I looove the female lead in the movie: Zooey Deschanel. I think she is beyond beautiful. And her style is to die for. I'm also doubly excited because the fiance and I are going with another couple we love dearly. Good news all around.

And while we are on the topic of Alamo Drafthouse, can I just mention how much I love that place? Food, beer, wine, dessert and a movie all at once?! The best. PLUS, the place doesn't take sh** from anyone. Take a look at the warnings they show at the beginning of each film. It makes my heart melt every time.

Fall is in the Air...Sort Of.

Every year, around this time, I start itching for the Fall season. I have endured nearly two and a half months of temperatures reaching over 100 degrees and I am ready to wear a sweater, damnit! Fall has always been my favorite time of the year...

My top 5 reasons why I LOVE the Fall Season:

1. Fall Fashion. I love the trench coats, cute sweaters, and hats. Even the new boots are always beauiful! I actually went to Banana Republic yesterday and picked up the most adorable cashmere sweater! (see below) Banana Republic has so many adorable things...I'm heading back next week for some skinny jeans...or pencil skirt...or a blouse?? Oh gosh, don't tempt me.

2. Wine Season. I had the opportunity to go to Napa, California a few years ago at the height of wine season in September. The grapes were ripe, the air cool, and wine aficionados were out in full force. I am pretty sure that trip started my love affair with wine. I very much appreciate the wine making process, the complexity of its taste, and the way a glass of wine can enhance both the taste of the food on your plate as well as the conversation around you. It's a beautiful thing.

3. Anything and everything PUMPKIN. Have I ever told you how much I love the flavor of pumpkin? Pumpkin loaves, pumpkin pies, roasted pumpkin seeds. Even the smell of freshly cut pumpkin while I'm making a Jack-O-Lantern. Well, wouldn't you know...I walked into Starbucks this morning and saw a huge sign that said, "Pumpkin Spice Lattes are coming in 6 Days!" Yeah. That made my morning. MMMmmm. Can't wait.

4. Halloween. It's my favorite holiday. Strange, I know. It's sort of natural for someone who grew up in a household that loved horror films and vampires and witches. haha. It's so kitchy and awesome. My mother and I used to decorate the house every year at the beginning of October. We got a little carried away every time. Black lights, spiderwebs, witches brew with dry ice, scary music, etc. Some of the little kids in the neighborhood would cry every time they came to the door. We considered that a success.

5. Good movies. As a film student, I always looked forward to the Fall when all of the Oscar contendors started popping up in the theater. A lot of film festivals start putting on a show in October and November. I've already got my badge to the Austin Film Festival! Can't wait.

Do you have any other reasons why you love the Fall? I'd love to hear about them, because I am soooo ready to celebrate the Season. Hurry up, Labor Day. Let's get you over with. I'm ready for the leaves to drop.

I am a big shot

Hello from the working world!

I have officially hired my new assistant. She begins on September 8th. Some of her tasks will include: taking my car in for service, taking my laundry to be dry cleaned, ordering my lunch everyday and picking the tomatoes off of my sandwiches, cleaning up the coffee I spill right in front of her each morning and driving me wherever I want, whenever I want.

Okay. That's a total lie. But those are some of the things I was put through when I was an Assistant in Los Angeles. Hell on Earth and I would NEVER put anyone through that torture.

But, seriously, I am so excited about her arrival. I definitely need the help and I think we'll work well together and have fun while we're at it! Looking forward to it all. :)

I was in San Antonio last weekend visiting some old friends from high school. One of my good friends is moving to D.C. and we all wanted to wish her a safe trip East! I also got to spend some time with my dear friends Samantha and Amy. I used to run around the neighborhood when I was 5 with those women. It's always a joy to see them.


Sunday, I was over at Katie's place having a True Blood marathon. Oh how I love that show. It is based on Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse novels and I'm already on book two. If you have not seen this show yet, rent season One or get HBO...it's worth it!!!



As for tonight, I'm heading to CRU with Haley for some wine, cheese, and appetizers. God knows I need the wine. Yesterday was a doozy at work. They have the best selection around and it changes continuously. It's a national chain so, if you are a wino like me, you should see if there is one near you!! Super yummy.